January 26, 2018
A look at 10 Eco-Friendly Korean Brands, kicking off the first ever "Green" Olympic Games in PyeongChang.
here are 10 businesses that are doing their part in making the the world a greener place.
H! Cycle aims to be an influential social design group that increases the value of certain object\s that you come across in everyday life. Rediscovering its artistic significance and ultimately, an organization that raises awareness of resource circulation and ethical consumerism. Their goal is to solve as many environmental and social issue by upcycling to make their coffee more meaningful.
The ‘Han’ of Hansalim means big, one, whole, together, whole universe life, and ‘salim’ means to live. ‘Hansalim’ means to live together with all life in one house with the values and worldview of life.
In addition to a supply of goods, Hansalim is also engaged in a variety of lifestyle and cultural activities to combat climate change, nuclear threats, energy depletion, agriculture and the food crisis.
The Itaewon Retail Store and Namdaemun Studio & Showroom introduce millimeter milligram’s original products as well as other brands that share value. From small items to furniture, it is gradually expanding into a space that presents brands with genuine feelings throughout lifestyle.
Not to stay in concepts such as recycling and up-cycling, FREITAG in Switzerland, which has a functional yet very distinctive style identity, and Japan’s long-life design furniture Karimoku.
Founder Won was one of the first to show transparency in the sourcing and creation of food products. They introduced LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) standards to Korea, and they aim to become a global company. Their signature products include their healthy and clean tofu, pesticide-free bean sprouts and their organic line for babies.
The eco-designer brand is putting values and individuality of people and environment into their products, using natural materials and handmade techniques. The Upcycling design and eco-friendly materials by Zenny Closet are at the heart of the slow fashion movement.
Their top selling items include their organic rice, their pesticide-free Ouija tea mixture, their line of kids juices such as their apple and strawberry juice, and their organic milk.
Environmental issues, share ideas to combat and designs for symbiosis with the local community. Their design process and products are beneficial to the environment, makers, and customers. Zero Design is 000gan’s product brand. They aim for “zero waste living” To reduce resource. Pay a fair wage to logo makers and using profits from sales for job training and education for a future generation.
Their signature products include their exclusive line of ramyeon, dumplings, kimchi and pancake mixes that use local flour.
‘Eco Party Echo’ is a brand of up-cycle design that adds a new user to the materials that have been used, and it has been exploring new uses such as leather, clothing, and other eco-friendly materials among ‘discarded ones’ Create eco-friendly campaign products.Eco Party Echo was launched in 2006 with the Ssamzie Recycling Design Group, introducing an unusual recycling fashion to Korea including banner eco bags and recycled shoes. In 2009, it operated a store as a sole store brand. They collaborated with various designers and organizations to bring out a variety of fashion accessories. Also on display the same year at the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). They are now expanding our position as an up-cycle brand by meeting with consumers through editorial shops such as significant stores across the country and Eland.
Their philosophy, “This is not just fashion” is realized in the deconstruction of the name of the brand: Re; the re-created design inspired by a revolutionary thinking, Code: the new culture beyond the fashion, spreading the value of sharing and environmental concerns. Unlike the “impulsive” new I spoke about in this week’s earlier post, Re;Code designs newness without waste and with thought and cares about the process and the people involved.
Based in Seoul South Korea, the eco-friendly company accesses and uses discarded clothing and textile waste and reuses and recreates the materials in unique and creative ways. All products are produced in small quantities, and in limited editions, making this modern “couture” and a unique design experience for the new owner. In the piece I am wearing in these photos., it is one of three because each is artisan crafted there are subtle differences that make it truly unique. There is a small tag with a 3 that marks mine.
Although there’s only one salad on the menu as of now, their meal selection rotates seasonally and includes all the veggie goodness your body needs. Their rainbow tempeh burrito wrap, for example, packs all the vitamins from A-Z. A daily selection of vegan baked goods, green smoothie, and other vegan meal options available as well.
An upcycling and eco-friendly design company making products for ‘LONG-LIFE’ use. They consider sustainable social and environment whenever they design new products that have a low environmental impact. They will continue with this mission until the sky in Seoul are clear once more. Re:blank is a Social Enterprise located Seoul, Korea where there is a community interested in upcycling and ethical consumption.
Established in 2000, Innisfree calls itself Korea’s first natural cosmetics brand and the natural beauty and resources of Jeju Island like volcanic clay or green tea inspired many of its ingredients. Though many of the brand’s flagship products use ingredients sourced from Jeju, like green tea grown on an organic farm not all of them are vegan, so make sure you check the labels if that’s important to you.
Beyond has a whole eco-beauty philosophy outlined on its website, which includes a strong stance against animal testing and a commitment to using organic and natural ingredients. It makes everything from essences and serums to shampoos and conditioners, all with these eco-friendly guiding principles in mind.
If that’s the case, you don’t have to look too far. An increasing number of gourmet grocery stores are opening across Seoul, delivering these and other specialty items right into your shopping cart.
